Mobile terminal and control method thereof

ABSTRACT

A control method of a mobile terminal is disclosed. The control method of a mobile terminal includes: acquiring a pressure signal through a pressure sensing module for sensing a change in pressure applied to at least one part of the body in at least two degrees; and generating an event for changing a display state of a display unit through a control signal to be matched to the pressure signal. Emotional quality can be improved by changing a display state of a display unit in response to a change in pressure applied to the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/566,733 filed Sep. 25, 2009, now allowed, which claims the benefit ofKorean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0097538 filed on Oct. 6, 2008 andNo. 10-2008-0094884 filed on Sep. 26, 2008, both of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

The present invention relates to a control method of a mobile terminalwhich can improve emotional quality by changing a display state of adisplay unit in response to a change in pressure applied to the body.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

As the functions of terminals, such as personal computers, laptops,mobile phones, etc., have become diversified, terminals are implementedin the form of a multimedia player having comprehensive functions suchas capturing still and video images, playing back music or video files,playing games, receiving broadcasts, and the like.

Terminals may be divided into mobile terminals and stationary terminalsaccording to mobility. Mobile terminals may be divided into handheldterminals and vehicle mount terminals according to whether or not a usercan carry it with them.

In order to support and increase the functionality of terminals, theimprovement of structural parts and/or software parts of the terminalscan be taken into account.

A mobile terminal may include an input unit including various operationkeys to perform various functions of the mobile terminal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in an effort to provide a controlmethod of a mobile terminal, which can improve emotional quality bychanging a display state of a display unit in response to a change inpressure applied to the body.

Technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limitedto above-mentioned problems, and any other technical problems, whichwere not mentioned above, would be obviously appreciated to thoseskilled in the art from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompany drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated on and constitute apart of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a CDMA wireless communication systemcommunicating with the mobile terminal of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mobile terminal according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along direction I-I of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a control method of the mobile terminal ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 8 a is a view showing an operation state of a mobile terminalaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 b is a flow chart of a control method of the mobile terminal ofFIG. 8 a;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a control method of a mobile terminalaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 a is a view showing an operation state of a mobile terminalaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 b is a flow chart of a control method of the mobile terminal ofFIG. 10 a;

FIG. 11 a is a view showing an operation state of a mobile terminalaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 b is a flow chart of a control method of the mobile terminal ofFIG. 11 a;

FIGS. 12 to 22 are state views of the mobile terminal of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of a procedure for an input position changingmode of the mobile terminal of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail embodiments of the inventionexamples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The present invention will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of theinvention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as being limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, there embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal relating to the present invention will bedescribed below in more detail with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. In the following description, suffixes “module” and “unit” aregiven to components of the mobile terminal in consideration of onlyfacilitation of description and do not have meanings or functionsdiscriminated from each other.

The mobile terminal described in the specification can include acellular phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcastingterminal, personal digital assistants (PDA), a portable multimediaplayer (PMP), a navigation system and so on.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention. The mobile terminal 100 can includea radio communication unit 110, an audio/video (A/V) input unit 120, auser input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory160, an interface 170, a controller 180, and a power supply 190. Thecomponents shown in FIG. 1 are not essential parts and the number ofcomponents included in the mobile terminal can be varied.

The components of the mobile terminal will now be described.

The radio communication unit 110 can include at least one module thatenables radio communication between the mobile terminal 100 and a radiocommunication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and a network inwhich the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example, the radiocommunication unit 110 can include a broadcasting receiving module 111,a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, alocal area communication module 114 and a position information module115.

The broadcasting receiving module 111 receives broadcasting signalsand/or broadcasting related information from an external broadcastingmanagement server through a broadcasting channel.

The broadcasting channel can include a satellite channel and aterrestrial channel. The broadcasting management server can be a serverthat generates and transmits broadcasting signals and/or broadcastingrelated information or a server that receives previously createdbroadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information andtransmits the broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting relatedinformation to a terminal. The broadcasting signals can include not onlyTV broadcasting signals, radio broadcasting signals and databroadcasting signals but also signals in the form of combination of a TVbroadcasting signal and a radio broadcasting signal.

The broadcasting related information can be information on abroadcasting channel, a broadcasting program or a broadcasting serviceprovider. The broadcasting related information can be provided eventhrough a mobile communication network. In this case, the broadcastingrelated information can be received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcasting related information can exist in various forms. Forexample, the broadcasting related information can exist in the form ofelectronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB)or in the form of electronic service guide (ESG) of digital videobroadcast-handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcasting receiving module 111 receives broadcasting signalsusing various broadcasting systems. Particularly, the broadcastingreceiving module 111 can receive digital broadcasting signals usingdigital broadcasting systems such as digital multimediabroadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimediabroadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), media forward link only (MediaFLO),DVB-H and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T)systems. The broadcasting receiving module 111 can be constructed to besuited to broadcasting systems providing broadcasting signals other thanthe above-described digital broadcasting systems.

The broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related informationreceived through the broadcasting receiving module 111 can be stored inthe memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits/receives a radio signalto/from at least one of a base station, an external terminal and aserver on a mobile communication network. The radio signal can include avoice call signal, a video telephony call signal or data in variousforms according to transmission and receiving of text/multimediamessages.

The wireless Internet module 113 means a module for wireless Internetaccess and can be included in the mobile terminal 100 or externallyattached to the mobile terminal 100. Wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi),wireless broadband (Wibro), world interoperability for microwave access(Wimax), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) and so on can be usedas a wireless Internet technique.

The local area communication module 114 means a module for local areacommunication. Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID),infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB) and ZigBee can beused as a local area communication technique.

The position information module 115 confirms or obtains the position ofthe mobile terminal. A global positioning system (GPS) module is arepresentative example of the position information module 115. Accordingto the current technology, the GPS module 115 can calculate informationon distances between one point (object) and at least three satellitesand information on the time when the distance information is measuredand apply trigonometry to the obtained distance information to obtainthree-dimensional position information on the point (object) accordingto latitude, longitude and altitude at a predetermined time.Furthermore, a method of calculating position and time information usingthree satellites and correcting the calculated position and timeinformation using another satellite is also used. In addition, the GPSmodule 115 continuously calculates the current position in real time andcalculates velocity information using the position information.

Referring to FIG. 1, the A/V input unit 120 is used to input an audiosignal or a video signal and can include a camera 121 and a microphone122. The camera 121 processes image frames of still images or movingimages obtained by an image sensor in a video telephony mode or aphotographing mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on adisplay unit 151.

The image frames processed by the camera 121 can be stored in the memory160 or transmitted to an external device through the radio communicationunit 110. The mobile terminal 100 can include at least two camerasaccording to constitution of the terminal.

The microphone 122 receives an external audio signal in a call mode, arecording mode or a speed recognition mode and processes the receivedaudio signal into electric audio data. The audio data can be convertedinto a form that can be transmitted to a mobile communication basestation through the mobile communication module 112 and output in thecall mode. The microphone 122 can employ various noise removalalgorithms for removing noise generated when the external audio signalis received.

The user input unit 130 receives input data for controlling theoperation of the terminal from a user. The user input unit 130 caninclude a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (constantvoltage/capacitance), jog wheel, jog switch and so on.

The sensing unit 140 senses the current state of the mobile terminal100, such as open/close state of the mobile terminal 100, the positionof the mobile terminal 100, whether a user touches the mobile terminal100, the direction of the mobile terminal 100 andacceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal 100 and generates asensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100.For example, the sensing unit 140 can sense whether a slide phone isopened or closed when the mobile terminal 100 is the slide phone.Furthermore, the sensing unit 140 can sense whether the power supply 190supplies power and whether the interface 170 is connected to an externaldevice. The sensing unit 140 can include a proximity sensor. The sensingunit 140 can include a pressure sensing module 220.

The output unit 150 generates visual, auditory or tactile output and caninclude the display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm 153and a reaction module 230.

The display unit 151 displays information processed by the mobileterminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 displays UI or graphicuser interface (GUI) related to a telephone call when the mobileterminal is in the call mode. The display unit 151 displays a capturedor/and received image, UI or GUI when the mobile terminal 100 is in thevideo telephony mode or the photographing mode.

The display unit 151 can include at least one of a liquid crystaldisplay, a thin film transistor liquid crystal display, an organiclight-emitting diode display, a flexible display and a three-dimensionaldisplay.

Some of these displays can be of a transparent type or a lighttransmission type. This can be referred to as a transparent display. Thetransparent display includes a transparent liquid crystal display. Therear structure of the display unit 151 can also be of the lighttransmission type. According to this structure, a user can see an objectlocated behind the body of the mobile terminal 100 through an area ofthe body of the mobile terminal 100, which is occupied by the displayunit 151.

The mobile terminal 100 can include at least two display units 151according to constitution of the terminal. For example, the mobileterminal 100 can include a plurality of displays that are arranged on asingle face at a predetermined distance or integrated. Otherwise, theplurality of displays can be arranged on different sides.

In the case where the display unit 151 and a sensor sensing touch(referred to as a touch sensor hereinafter) form a layered structure,which is referred to as a touch screen hereinafter, the display unit 151can be used as an input device in addition to an output device. Thetouch sensor can be in the form of a touch film, a touch sheet and atouch pad, for example.

The touch sensor can be constructed such that it converts a variation inpressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit 151 or avariation in capacitance generated at a specific portion of the displayunit 151 into an electric input signal. The touch sensor can beconstructed such that it can sense pressure of touch as well as theposition and area of touch.

When touch input is applied to the touch sensor, a signal correspondingto the touch input is transmitted to a touch controller. The touchcontroller processes the signal and transmits data corresponding to theprocessed signal to the controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180can detect a touched portion of the display 151.

Referring to FIG. 1, the proximity sensor 141 can be located in aninternal region of the mobile terminal, surrounded by the touch screen,or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor senses an objectapproaching a predetermined sensing face or an object located near theproximity sensor using electromagnetic force or infrared rays withouthaving mechanical contact. The proximity sensor has lifetime longer thanthat of a contact sensor and has wide application.

The proximity sensor includes a transmission type photo-electric sensor,a direct reflection type photo-electric sensor, a mirror reflection typephoto-electric sensor, a high-frequency oscillating proximity sensor, acapacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infraredproximity sensor, etc.

A capacitive touch screen is constructed such that proximity of apointer is detected through a variation in an electric field accordingto the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touch screen (touchsensor) can be classified as a proximity sensor.

For convenience of explanation, an action of approaching the pointer tothe touch screen while the pointer it not being in contact with thetouch screen such that location of the pointer on the touch screen isrecognized is referred to as “proximity touch” and an action of bringthe pointer into contact with the touch screen is referred to as“contact touch” in the following description. A proximity touch point ofthe pointer on the touch screen means a point of the touch screen towhich the pointer corresponds perpendicularly to the touch screen whenthe pointer proximity-touches the touch screen.

The proximity sensor senses proximity touch and a proximity touchpattern (for example, a proximity touch distance, a proximity touchdirection, a proximity touch velocity, a proximity touch time, aproximity touch position, a proximity touch moving state, etc.).Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch action andproximity touch pattern can be displayed on the touch screen.

The audio output module 152 can output audio data received from theradio communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160 in a callsignal receiving mode, a telephone call mode or a recording mode, aspeech recognition mode and a broadcasting receiving mode. The audiooutput module 152 outputs audio signals related to functions (forexample, a call signal incoming tone, a message incoming tone, etc.)performed in the mobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 caninclude a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, etc.

The alarm 153 outputs a signal for indicating generation of an event ofthe mobile terminal 100. Examples of events generated in the mobileterminal include receiving of a call signal, receiving of a message,input of a key signal, input of touch, etc. The alarm 153 can outputsignals in forms different from video signals or audio signals, forexample, a signal for indicating generation of an event throughvibration. The video signals or the audio signals can be also outputthrough the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152.

The reaction module 230 can generate various feedback effects that theuser can recognize. The reaction module 230 includes a haptic module 232and a light emitting module 236.

The haptic module 232 generates various haptic effects that the user canfeel. A typical example of the haptic effects generated by the hapticmodule 232 includes vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibrationsgenerated by the haptic module 232 are controllable. For example,different vibrations can be combined together and output, orsequentially output.

In addition to vibrations, the haptic module 232 can generate varioushaptic effects, including the effect of stimulation from an array ofvertically moving pins on a contacted skin surface, the effect ofstimulation by the jet force or suction force of air through a jetorifice or inlet, the effect of stimulation by light touch on the skinsurface, the effect of stimulation from contact with an electrode, theeffect of stimulation by static electricity, the effect of reproductionof cold and warm sensations by a device capable of absorbing orgenerating heat, and so forth.

The haptic module 232 may be implemented in such a manner as to allowthe user feel a haptic effect through the muscular sense of the fingersor arms, as well as providing a haptic effect by direct contact. Two ormore haptic modules 232 can be provided according to the configurationaspect of the mobile terminal 100.

The light emitting module 236 includes illuminators (234 of FIG. 4), andcan operate in response to a pressure signal generated from the pressuresensing module 220. The light emitting module 236 performs operations,including light emission, periodic/aperiodic flickering, etc. accordingto user operation, thereby transmitting a constant signal to the user.

The memory 160 can store a program for the operation of the controller180 and temporarily store input/output data (for example, phone book,messages, still images, moving images, etc.). The memory 160 can storedata about vibrations and sounds in various patterns, which are outputfrom when a touch input is applied to the touch screen.

The memory 160 can include at least one of a flash memory, a hard disktype memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory(for example, SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a staticRAM (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasableprogrammable ROM (EEPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM) magnetic memory, amagnetic disk and an optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 can operatein relation to a web storage performing the storing function of thememory 160 on the Internet.

The interface 170 serves as a path to all external devices connected tothe mobile terminal 100. The interface 170 receives data from theexternal devices or power and transmits the data or power to theinternal components of the mobile terminal 100 or transmits data of themobile terminal 100 to the external devices. The interface 170 caninclude a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, awired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting adevice having a user identification module, an audio I/O port, a videoI/O port, an earphone port, etc., for example.

An identification module is a chip that stores information forauthenticating the authority to use the mobile terminal 100 and caninclude a user identify module (UIM), a subscriber identify module (SIM)and a universal subscriber identify module (USIM). A device (referred toas an identification device hereinafter) including the identificationmodule can be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Accordingly, theidentification device can be connected to the mobile terminal 100through a port.

The interface 170 can serve as a path through which power from anexternal cradle is provided to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobileterminal 100 is connected to the external cradle or a path through whichvarious command signals inputted by the user through the cradle to themobile terminal 100. The various command signals or power input from thecradle can be used as a signal for confirming whether the mobileterminal 100 is correctly set in the cradle.

The controller 180 controls the overall operation of the mobileterminal. For example, the controller 180 performs control andprocessing for voice communication, data communication and videotelephony. The controller 180 can include a multimedia module 181 forplaying multimedia. The multimedia module 181 can be included in thecontroller 180 or separated from the controller 180.

The controller 180 can perform a pattern recognition process capable ofrecognizing handwriting input or picture-drawing input applied to thetouch screen as characters or images.

The power supply 190 receives external power and internal power andprovides power required for the operations of the components of themobile terminal under the control of the controller 180.

Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in acomputer or similar device readable recording medium using software,hardware or a combination thereof, for example.

According to hardware implementation, the embodiments of the presentinvention can be implemented using at least one of application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digitalsignal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs),field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers,micro-controllers, microprocessors, electrical units for executingfunctions. In some cases, the embodiments can be implemented by thecontroller 180.

According to software implementation, embodiments such as procedures orfunctions can be implemented with a separate software module executingat least one function or operation. Software codes can be implementedaccording to a software application written in an appropriate softwarelanguage. Furthermore, the software codes can be stored in the memory160 and executed by the controller 180.

FIG. 2 depicts several global positioning system (GPS) satellites 300.Such satellites facilitate locating the position of some or all of themobile terminals 100. While two GPS satellites 300 are depicted in FIG.2, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that usefulpositioning information may be obtained with greater or fewersatellites. Alternatively, other types of position detection technology,for example, a location technology that may be used in addition to orinstead of GPS location technology, are available. If desired, some orall of the GPS satellites 300 may alternatively or additionally beconfigured to provide satellite DMB transmissions.

During typical operation of the wireless communication system, the basestations 270 receive sets of reverse-link signals from various mobileterminals 100. The mobile terminals 100 engage in calls, messaging, andother communications. Each reverse-link signal received by a given basestation 270 is processed within that base station. The resulting data isforwarded to an associated base station controller 275. The base stationcontroller 275 provides call resource allocation and mobility managementfunctionality including the orchestration of soft handoffs between thebase stations 270. The base station controllers 275 also route thereceived data to the mobile switching centers (MSC) 280 which providesadditional routing services for interfacing with the public switchedtelephone network (PSTN) 290. Similarly, the PSTN 290 interfaces withthe MSC 280, and the MSC interfaces with the base station controllers275, which in turn control the base stations 270 to transmit sets offorward-link signals to the mobile terminals 100.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mobile terminal according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspectiveview of the mobile terminal of FIG. 3.

As shown in these drawings, the mobile terminal 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention includes a body 210, a pressuresensing module 220 provided along the lateral portion 212 of the body210, a protection cover 250 enclosing the pressure sensing module 220, areaction module 230 provided along a front edge portion 215 formed bythe front portion 214 and lateral portion 212 of the body 210, and acontrol portion 240 for controlling the reaction module 230.

The body 210 constitutes the frame of the mobile terminal 100. AlthoughFIG. 3 depicting one embodiment of the present invention shows abar-type body 210, the shape of the body 210 may be implemented in avariety of configurations including a slide-type, a folder-type, aswing-type, a swivel-type, etc. A display unit 151 for displayingimages, a sound output portion 152, a camera 121, etc. may be disposedon the body 210. The front portion 214 of the body 210 can be protectedby a front case (101 of FIG. 4) which may be formed of a synthetic resinby injection molding, or a metallic material such as stainless steel(STS) or titanium (Ti). The front case (101 of FIG. 4) may be formed ofa transparent, semitransparent, or opaque material. The inner space ofthe body 210 can incorporate various electronic parts. The pressuresensing module 220, protected by the protection cover 250, is providedon the lateral surface of the body 210.

The protection cover 250 can enclose the lateral sides of the body 210in a belt shape. The protection cover 250 protects the pressure sensingmodule 220, and facilitates transmission of a pressure to the pressuresensing module 220. The protection cover 250 is formed of an elasticsilicon material. When a pressure is applied, the protection cover 250is deformed and transmits the pressure to the pressure sensing module220, and when the pressure is released, it can restore its originalshape. Further, the protection cover 250 may be formed of a soft fabricmaterial to improve the operational feeling of the user. While oneprotection cover 250 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention has been illustrated as enclosing the lateral sides of thebody 210, several parts of the protection cover 250 may be assembled tothe body 210.

The pressure sensing module 220 can sense changes in pressure includinga grip force applied to the body 210. The pressure sensing module 220may be provided on the lateral portion 212 of the body 210. In order tochange the position of the mobile terminal 100 or operate the mobileterminal 100, the user generally grips the lateral portion 212 of themobile terminal 100. In one embodiment of the present invention, bypositioning the pressure sensing module 220 on the lateral portion 212,the user is able to operate the mobile terminal 100 simply by grippingthe body 210 of the mobile terminal 100 without any particular motion.While one embodiment of the present invention has been described withrespect to a case where the pressure sensing module 220 is positioned onthe lateral portion 212, the position of the pressure sensing module 220is not limited thereto and the pressure sensing module 220 may bemounted on anywhere of the body 210 that the user feels comfortablewith.

The pressure sensing module 220 may be provided consecutively on thelateral portion 212. That is, it may be disposed along the upper, lower,left, and right lateral sides of the mobile terminal 100. As thepressure sensing module 220 is consecutively disposed at the entire partof the lateral portion 212, an image displayed on the display unit 151can be scrolled by sweeping the lateral portion 212.

The pressure sensing module 220 is different from a typical switchcapable of sensing on/off changes alone according to a pressure appliedfrom the user in that it can sense a change in pressure in two or moredegrees. That is, the pressure sensing module 220 senses stages ofchange in pressure in at least two degrees, and preferably, it canlinearly and continuously sense a change in pressure. The linear sensingof a pressure means that even a slight change in pressure applied to thepressure sensing module 220 can be sensed because the range of thresholdpressures for sensing a degree of change in pressure is narrow. However,the linear sensing does not mean full continuation in a mathematicalsense, but means that minute changes can be sensed better than by aconventional sensor that senses a mere difference between on and off.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is across-sectional view taken along direction I-I of FIG. 5.

Hereinafter, the pressure sensing module 220 and the reaction module 230of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the presentinvention will be described concretely with reference to these drawings.

As mentioned above, the pressure sensing module 220 is consecutivelyprovided on the lateral portion 212. The pressure sensing module 220includes a plurality of pressure sensing elements 237.

The pressure sensing elements 237 are a part that substantially receivesa pressure and converts it into a pressure signal. The pressure sensingelements 237 may be provided in plural number on the lateral portion212. The pressure sensing elements 237 may include hall sensors andtouch sensors. The hall sensor is a sensor that employs a hall effect.The hall effect refers to the potential difference between an area inwhich electric charges are accumulated and an area in which electriccharges are not accumulated when electrons are directed towards aspecific direction. The hall effect may occur by moving an object withelectric charges within a magnetic field. A sensor using such a halleffect is a hall sensor. The detailed configuration and operation of thehall sensor are well known to those skilled in the art, so a detaileddescription of the hall sensor will be omitted. In the followingdescription, reference numeral 237 of the pressure sensing element isused to denote the hall sensor.

The hall sensor 237 includes a pressure transmitting portion 231, asensing portion 233, and a return spring 235 for giving elastic force tothe pressure transmitting portion 231. The pressure transmitting portion231 moves in a direction getting close the sensing portion 233 by apressure transmitted through the protection cover (250 of FIG. 4). Whenthe external force to the pressure transmitting portion 231 is released,the pressure transmitting portion 231 returns to its original positionby the elastic force of the return spring 235. When the distance betweenthe pressure transmitting portion 231 and the sensing portion 233 ischanged by the external force and the elastic force, a potentialdifference is generated. The potential difference is sensed by thesensing portion 233. The potential difference sensed by the sensingportion 233 is continuously varied according to the distance between thepressure transmitting portion 231 and the sensing portion 233. Thus, itis possible to obtain a pressure signal which varies according to theintensity of pressure by sensing a variation in potential difference.The reaction of the reaction module 230 may differ by the pressuresignal generated by the hall sensor 237.

The reaction module 230 allows the user to recognize a point where apressure is generated and the intensity of the pressure. That is, if thepressure gradually increases, the reaction of the reaction module 230may also gradually increase. The reaction of the reaction module 230 maybe represented by light emission or vibration. Therefore, if thepressure is low, the degree of light emission is small, while if thepressure becomes higher, more intense light can be emitted. Also, if thepressure is low, vibration is weak while if the pressure becomes higher,vibration becomes more intense. Such an example can be varied in anumber of ways, such as the degree of flickering, the continuity ofvibration, and so on. As described above, the reaction module 230 may becapable of reactions, such as vibration by the haptic module 236. Thefollowing description will be made in detail with respect to a casewhere the reaction module 230 is a light emitting module 236 whichreacts with light.

The light emitting module 236 may be provided along the front edgeportion 215 formed by the front portion 214 of the body 210. With thelight emitting module 236 being provided on the front edge portion 215,the user who operates the mobile terminal (100 of FIG. 3) from the frontcan visually recognize the light emitted from the light emitting module236 with ease. However, the position of the light emitting module 236 isnot limited thereto, but the light emitting module 236 may be mounted invarious positions in terms of user visibility and design aspects. Thelight emitting module 236 can include illuminators 234.

The illuminators 234 are a part which actually emits light by a pressuresignal. The illuminators may be provided in plural number along thefront edge portion 215. With the illuminators 234 consecutively providedalong the front edge portion 215, the illuminator 234 positioned mostadjacent to a point where a pressure signal is generated can beoperated. That is, the user can visually recognize which position ispressurized by operating the illuminator 234 closest to the positionpressurized by the user. Also, a user's input can be induced by adaptingthe illuminator 234, adjacent to the point the user has to applypressure for a specific operation, to emit light. While the embodimentof the present invention has been described with respect to a case wherea plurality of illuminators are provided, an illuminator of a belt shapecapable of selectively emitting light at a specific position is alsoapplicable.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a control method of the mobile terminal ofFIG. 3

As shown therein, the mobile terminal according to one embodiment of thepresent invention senses whether a pressure is sensed or not (S10). Thepressure may be a grip force on the mobile terminal. The control portiondetermines whether or not a change in pressure is sensed through thepressure sensing module provided on the lateral surface of the mobileterminal.

When a change in pressure is sensed, the pressure sensing moduleprovided with the pressure sensing elements generates a pressure signal(S20). A kinetic energy from an external force is converted into anelectric signal, which is an electric energy, through the pressuresensing elements. The converted electric signal is a pressure signal.The pressure signal is varied according to the presence or absence of apressure, intensity, duration, etc. That is, when the pressure on thepressure sensing elements increases, the pressure signal, too,increases. Thus, the control portion, which has received the pressuresignal, is able to recognize whether or not the pressure on the body ofthe mobile terminal is changed.

When a pressure signal is generated, an operation event occurs to thedisplay unit in response to the pressure signal (S30). That is, aspecific operation previously set in response to the pressure signal isapplied to the display unit. The operation event to the display unit iscapable of changing the color or brightness of the display unit,changing an image displayed on the display unit, scrolling the imagedisplayed on the display unit, and so forth. Each operation event to thedisplay unit will be described in detail below.

When a pressure signal is generated, a sound or vibration may begenerated in response to the pressure signal (S40). That is, accordingto the intensity of the pressure signal, a specific sound may begenerated from a speaker, or the amplitude of the generated sound may bevaried. Also, according to the intensity of the pressure signal,vibration from the haptic module may be generated, or the degree of thegenerated vibration may be varied. Of course, a pattern for generatingsound and vibration may be varied according to the pressure signal. Thegeneration of sound and vibration and changes thereof may arouse userinterest in the mobile terminal.

FIG. 8 a is a view showing an operation state of a mobile terminalaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 b is aflow chart of a control method of the mobile terminal of FIG. 8 a.

Hereinafter, the control method of the mobile terminal according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 8 a, the mobile terminal according to the firstembodiment of the present invention can be adapted to display a changein color on the display unit 151 by the user's pressurizing first andsecond points S1 and S2, which are both lateral sides of the body 210.

When the first and second points S1 and S2 are pressurized, the pressuresensing module (220 of FIG. 5) generates a pressure signal. As describedabove, the intensity of the pressure signal is varied in proportion tothe magnitude of the pressurizing force.

At an initial stage during which the user begins to apply a pressure onthe first and second points S1 and S2, the magnitude of the pressurizingforce may be relatively small. In this case, the amount of change in thecolor displayed on the display unit 151 may be small as shown by aninitial color change C1.

If the user increases the pressurizing force on the first and secondpoints S1 and S2 and thus the magnitude of the pressurizing forcebecomes larger than that in the initial stage, the change in the colordisplayed on the display unit 151 increases as shown by a final colorchange C2.

A procedure in which the color changes from the initial color change C1to the final color change C2 may be continuous or discontinuous. Theuser can observe the display unit 151 where the color is variouslychanged depending on the degree of gripping of the mobile terminal 100,thereby arousing user interest.

A color change may occur in proportion to the distance between the firstand second points S1 and S2, which are pressurized by the user, and thedisplay unit 151 displaying the color change. That is, the closer to thepressurization point, the more the color changes, and the farther fromthe pressurization point, the less the color changes. Alternatively, itmay be also possible that the closer to the pressurization point, theless the color changes, and the farther from the pressurization point,the more the color changes.

If the color changes more toward a pressurization point, a maximum colorchange point P may be positioned, for example, on a virtual line Lconnecting the first point S1 and the second point S2.

Meanwhile, the illuminators at the positions corresponding to the firstand second points S1 and S2 gripped by the user are operated to thusinform the user of the exact gripping position and arouse visualinterest.

As shown in FIG. 8 b, when a partial color change event proportional tothe intensity of pressure occurs (S31), the color of some area of thedisplay unit adjacent to the position where a pressure signal isgenerated is changed (S32). Access to the partial color change eventproportional to the intensity of pressure can be carried out by theuser's selection of a specific menu or by the user's gripping thepressure sensing module according to a previously input pattern.

When the pressure signal increases by a pressure increase (S33), a colorchange area is increased in proportion to the increase of the pressuresignal (S34).

When the pressure signal decreases by a pressure decrease (S35), thecolor change area is decreased (S36).

Meanwhile, when the user's pressure on the pressure sensing module isreleased and thus the pressure signal is released (S37), the changedcolor is restored to the original color displayed on the display unit(S38).

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, variouscolor changes may occur depending on the intensity of pressure appliedby the user, thereby providing the effect of arousing the user'sinterest.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a control method of a mobile terminalaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention. Only theparts different from the first embodiment of the present invention willbe mainly explained, and the parts which are the same as those of thefirst embodiment are denoted by the same respective reference numerals,and the different parts are denoted by the reference numerals with asuffix “a”.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the control method of the mobile terminalaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention, an overallbrightness change event proportional to the intensity of pressure mayoccur (S31 a).

When a brightness change event occurs, the brightness of the entire areaof the display unit is increased by a certain level in response to apressure signal (S32 a). Once the brightness of the entire area of thedisplay unit becomes higher, this results in an increase of thebrightness of the display unit.

If the pressure signal increases (S33) or the pressure signal decreases(S35), the brightness of the entire display unit is increased (S34 a) ordecreased (S35 a). If the brightness is continuously increased, themobile terminal can be used as an alternative to a flash lamp in a darkplace.

Meanwhile, when the user's pressure on the pressure sensing module isreleased and thus the pressure signal is released (S37), the changedbrightness is restored to the original brightness (S38 a).

FIG. 10 a is a view showing an operation state of a mobile terminalaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 b is aflow chart of a control method of the mobile terminal of FIG. 10 a. Onlythe parts different from the first embodiment of the present inventionwill be mainly explained, and the parts which are the same as those ofthe first embodiment are denoted by the same respective referencenumerals, and the different parts are denoted by the reference numeralswith a suffix “b”.

As shown in FIG. 10 a, the user can change the shape of a specificfigure (M) displayed on the display unit 151 by gripping a specific partof the mobile terminal 100.

The user can grip the first and second points S1 and S2, which arespecific points of the lateral sides of the body 210 while applyingpressure thereto. Once the user grips the first and second points S1 andS2, a pressure signal is generated according to the pressure.

After displaying the specific figure (M) on the display unit 151, theuser applies pressure to the lateral sides of the body 10 adjacent to apart of the displayed figure (M), the shape of which is desired to bechanged by the user.

If the pressure against the lateral sides of the body 210 is increasedand decreased, the contour of the figure (M) corresponding to the point,where the pressure is generated, is distorted when changed. That is, thecontour of the figure (M) changes from the original figure (M1) to adistorted figure (M2).

As for the degree of distortion of the figure (M), a maximum distortionpoint P can be generated at a part adjacent to the first and secondpoints S1 and S2 where the pressure is generated.

After changing the figure (M) to a degree desired by the user, thechanged figure (M) can be stored in the memory (160 of FIG. 1) as it is,so that it can be displayed again later or transmitted to the outsidethrough the wireless communication unit (110 of FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 10 b, if an image change event occurs in proportion tothe intensity of pressure (S31 b), an image selected by the user isdisplayed (S51 b). That is, the user can select an image that they wantto distort the figure thereof.

When the selected image is displayed, some part of the image adjacent tothe position where the pressure signal is generated is distorted (S32b).

If the pressure signal increases (S33) or the pressure signal decreases(S35), the degree of distortion of the image is increased (S34 b) ordecreased (S36 b).

It is determined whether to store the distorted and changed image or not(S52 b), and then the changed image is stored in the memory (S53 b).Since the user may want to store a partly distorted and changed image,the function for storing a changed image is provided.

When the pressure is released and thus the pressure signal is released(S37), the changed image is restored to the original figure, and theimage change event is finished (S38 b).

FIG. 11 a is a view showing an operation state of a mobile terminalaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 b isa flow chart of a control method of the mobile terminal of FIG. 11 a.Only the parts different from the first embodiment of the presentinvention will be mainly explained, and the parts which are the same asthose of the first embodiment are denoted by the same respectivereference numerals, and the different parts are denoted by the referencenumerals with a suffix “c”.

As shown in FIG. 11 a, the user can scroll an image displayed on thedisplay unit 151 by applying pressure to the lateral sides of the body210 of the mobile terminal 100.

As shown therein, if a displayed image is larger than the display limitof the display unit 151, the user needs to scroll the screen in orderview a non-displayed part.

The user can pressurize the first point S1 of a lateral side of the body210. If the user pressurizes the first point S1 which is positioned moretoward one side from a virtual scroll reference position L, the screenis scrolled in the direction of the first point S1.

The scroll reference position L refers to a position at which scrollingup and down is not performed upon application of pressure on thecorresponding part. Therefore, if the first point S1 positioned lowerthan the scroll reference position L is pressurized, scrolling down isperformed, and if the second point S2 positioned higher than the scrollreference position L is pressurized, scrolling up is performed.

When pressurizing the first point S1, if the user pressurizes it with astronger force, the scroll-down speed may be increased in proportion tothe degree of pressurization. Therefore, if a part desired to be viewedis far from the current display, the first point S1 is pressurizedstrongly to thus enable fast scrolling. Otherwise, if a part desired tobe viewed is close to the current display, the first point S1 ispressurized weakly to thus enable slow scrolling on the screen.

By pressurizing the second point S2 positioned higher than the scrollreference position L in a similar manner to the pressurization of thefirst point S1, the user can scroll up the screen.

The scroll speed can be adjusted according to the distance between thescroll reference position L and the pressurized position. That is, ifthe offset distance D, which is the distance between the scrollreference position L and the pressurized first point S1 is large, thescroll speed can be increased, while if the offset distance D is small,the scroll speed can be decreased.

Also, the user can scroll the screen by moving from the first point S1to the second point S2 or vice versa while maintaining contact. That is,if the pressure sensing module (220 of FIG. 5) is pressurizedcontinuously from the first point S1 to the second point S2, thepressure signal contains change information on the movement speed ofpressure or the movement direction of pressure according to the speedand direction of pressurization. Accordingly, a control signal generatedby the pressure signal containing this information can change the speedand direction of scrolling.

Furthermore, the scroll speed can be varied in proportion to the degreeof pressurization by varying the intensity of pressurization on aspecific point. That is, if the first point S1 is weakly pressurized,scrolling up may be performed slowly, and if the first point S1 isstrongly pressurized, scrolling up may be performs quickly.

As shown in FIG. 11 b, a scroll event is generated in proportion to theintensity of pressure (S31 c), scrolling is performed in a direction ofgeneration of a pressure signal with respect to the scroll referenceposition (S32 c).

If the pressure signal increases (S33) or the pressure signal decreases(S35), the scroll speed is increased (S34 c) or decreased (S36 c).

When the pressure signal is released (S37), the scroll event isfinished.

FIGS. 12 to 22 are state views of the mobile terminal of FIG. 3. AndFIG. 23 is a flow chart of a procedure for an input position changingmode of the mobile terminal of FIG. 3.

The following description will be made in detail about the use state ofthe mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present inventionwith reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 12, the user can use the mobile terminal 100 in aportrait direction for vertically displaying an image on the displayunit 151 of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the user can changethe direction of the image displayed on the display unit 151 to theportrait direction only by naturally gripping the mobile terminal 100 inthe portrait direction.

When gripping the mobile terminal 100 with the left hand, as shown inFIG. 12, the thumb F1 naturally grips the first point S1 which is on theleft side of the mobile terminal 100. Also, the index finger to littlefingers F2 to F5 generally grip the second to five points S2 to S5.However, the points to be described hereinafter are set for theconvenience of description, so it is needless to say that detailedpressurization points for activating/deactivating the functions of themobile terminal 100 are not limited thereto.

The mobile terminal 100 stores a typical gripping pattern of the user.Thus, the instant the user grips the mobile terminal 100, it isdetermined whether the gripping motion is consistent with the previouslystored pattern. If consistent, the matching function can beactivated/deactivated.

The matching is done according to different pressure signal patterns fordifferent individual pressures. When a specific point of the mobileterminal 100 is pressurized, a pressure signal is generated. As for thepressure signal, a pressurization point, a pressurization force, etc.are different according to the user's grip and the user's specificbehavior. That is, in FIGS. 12 and 13, S1 to S5 of FIG. 12 and S1 to S4of FIG. 13 are different in their positions and pressures for therespective positions. Accordingly, if the differences between thepressure signals depending on a specific grip are figured out, differentfunctions can be matched with the different pressure signals. By thismatching operation, a specific function can be performed simply bygripping, thereby increasing use convenience. That is, as shown in FIG.12, if the user grips the mobile terminal 100, the control unit (180 ofFIG. 1) can change the direction of the image displayed on the displayunit 151 to the portrait direction without any particular operation.

A user's pressure is sensed by the pressure sensing module (220 of FIG.4) provided on the lateral surface of the mobile terminal 100. Thepressure sensing module (220 of FIG. 4) senses the pressure andtransmits it to the control unit (180 of FIG. 1), and the control unit180 makes the illuminators 234, positioned most adjacent to the first tofive points S1 to S5 that are gripped, to emit light. Therefore, theuser can visually recognize whether they are gripping rightly or not andthe actually gripped part.

FIG. 13 illustrates that the user is gripping the mobile terminal 100 ina landscape direction. In this case, the user can grip the mobileterminal by the thumb F1, index finger F2, and some part of the palm P1and P2. When pressure is applied to the first to fourth points S1 to s4by the thumb F1, the control unit (180 of FIG. 1) can determined thatthe mobile terminal is gripped in the landscape direction. Therefore,the direction of the image displayed on the display unit 151 is changedto the landscape direction, and the illuminators 234 most adjacent tothe first to fourth points S1 to S4 are made to emit light.

FIG. 14 is a view showing that the user is scrolling on the screen byusing the pressure sensing module (220 of FIG. 5) provided on thelateral surface of the mobile terminal 100. The user can sequentiallymove a pressure signal by moving the finger F6 in an up-down fashion orin a down-up fashion, in a state that the pressure sensing module (220of FIG. 5), provided on the lateral surface, is pressurized. When asequentially moving pressure signal is generated, the control unit (180of FIG. 1) can scroll through the image.

The illuminators 234 make a currently pressurized part S1 brighter thana past pressurized part S2. The past pressurized part S2 enables tracesof the finger F6 to be visually represented by sequentially decreasingthe intensity of light in the past pressurized part S2.

FIG. 15 shows an operation for setting and releasing the lock mode ofthe mobile terminal. FIG. 16 shows an operation for setting andreleasing the manner mode of the mobile terminal.

As shown in the drawings, the inherent functions of the mobile terminal100 can be activated or deactivated by pressurizing a specific positionof the mobile terminal 100. That is, if the positions to be pressurizedsimultaneously or at regular time intervals are different from eachother, the reaction of the mobile terminal 100 may be different, too.

FIG. 17 shows another function of the illuminators.

As shown therein, the illuminators 234 can emit light in order todesignate a part requiring to be pressurized for a specific function,such as the setting/release of the lock mode. That is, as shown in FIG.15, it can be seen that the first and second points S1 and S2 have to bepressurized in order to set the lock mode. However, a user who is notfamiliar with the mobile terminal 100 may not found which part of thepressure sensing module (220 of FIG. 5) has to be pressurized.

Therefore, the pressurization from the user on the first and secondpoints S1 and S2 can be induced by making the illuminators 234 at thepositions corresponding to the first and second positions S1 and S2 emitlight.

FIGS. 18 to 20 show a control operation of the mobile terminal using thepressure sensing module.

While a first image F1 is being displayed on the display unit 151, theuser may want to switch to a second image F2.

As shown in FIG. 18, the user can make part of the second image F2displayed on the display unit 151 by pressurizing the first and secondpoints S1 and S2. The first and second points S1 and S2 are not limitedto the illustrated positions as described above.

The user can change the degree of display of the second image F2 on thedisplay unit 151 by adjusting the degree of pressurizing fore.

As shown in FIG. 19, if the user increases their pressurizing force, thedegree of display of the second image F2 can be increased. Also, if thepressurizing force is eliminated in this state, the second image F2 maydisappear and only the first image F2 may be displayed on the displayunit 151.

As shown in FIG. 20, if the user increases the pressurizing forcegreater than a threshold pressure, the second image F2 can fullysubstitute the first image F1 and thus can be displayed on the displayunit 151. The user can continuously switch the image to be displayed byrepeating the process of FIGS. 18 to 20.

Further, the direction of switching an image can be a forward directionor backward direction by putting a difference in pressurizing forcebetween the first and second points S1 and S2. That is, if the firstpoint S1 is pressurized more strongly than the second point S2 is, theimage can be switched to the left direction of the mobile terminal 100,while if the second point is pressurized more strongly than the firstpoint S1 is, the image can be switched to the right direction of themobile terminal 100.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show a process of changing the pressure position of themobile terminal.

The function of the mobile terminal 100 according to a pressureposition, which was set at the time of delivery from the warehouse, maynot fit the needs of the user who is actually using the mobile terminal.In this case, the user can change a specific position of the pressuresensing module (220 of FIG. 4) matching a specific function to aposition fitting the user's needs.

The specific position (S1 to S3 of FIG. 16) for setting and releasingthe manner mode of the mobile terminal has been described in FIG. 16. Ifthe user is not satisfied with this position and pressurizes a user setposition S5, they may want to set/release the manner mode.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 21, the user selects a pressure positionchanging mode and then pressurizes the user set position S5 that theuser prefers. It is needless to say that the user set position S5 andthe number of pressurized positions may be changed in various ways.

As shown in FIG. 22, the user set position S5 can be set to a positionfor setting/releasing the manner mode by selecting a function to matchthe user set position S5 after pressurizing the user set position S5.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of a procedure for the pressure positionchanging mode of the mobile terminal of FIG. 3.

As shown therein, when the mobile terminal enters into the pressureposition changing mode (S10), the distribution of pressure generated bygripping the mobile terminal is sensed (S20).

After sensing the distribution of pressure, a specific function to matchthe distribution of pressure is selected and confirmed (S30).

Once a specific function according to the distribution of pressure isconfirmed, the matched function is store (S40). Accordingly, in case ofpressurizing a new input position later, a new matched function will beactivated.

It is determined whether the pressure position changing mode is finishedor not (S50). If not, the above-described operation is repeated.

The foregoing embodiments have been described with respect to a casewhere the pressure sensing module is provided on the entire part of thelateral surface of the body, it may be provided only at a required partof the lateral surface of the body. For example, the pressure sensingmodule may be mounted on one vertical lateral side of the terminal tomake scrolling easier, and the pressure sensing module may be mounted atsome area of one vertical lateral side thereof.

As set forth, the present invention is not limited to the embodimentsdisclosed above, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat various modifications and changes can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, allsuch modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall within thescope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and arenot to be construed as limiting the present invention. The presentteaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Thedescription of the foregoing embodiments is intended to be illustrative,and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives,modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal comprising: a body; a displayunit configured to be located on the body; a sensing module configuredto be located on at least one surface of the body comprising a lateralsurface of the body and configured to sense a user's touch applied to atleast one part of the sensing module, wherein the sensing moduleincludes a plurality of sensing elements; and a control unit configuredto: obtain, from the sensing module, at least two signals from at leasttwo positions on the lateral surface, change a state of the mobileterminal based on the at least two signals, wherein the state reflectstouches to the at least two positions, display an image switchingbetween a first image and a second image based on an intensity of touchsensed through at least one sensing region of the sensing module,wherein the first image and second image are separated from each other,increase a size of the second image displayed on the display unit anddecrease a size of the first image displayed on the display unit basedon an increase in the intensity of touch sensed through the at least onesensing region, remove the second image from the display unit when theintensity of the touch fails to exceed a predetermined value during theimage switching, and substitute the second image for the first imagewhen the intensity of the touch exceeds the predetermined value duringthe image switching.
 2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein thecontrol unit is further configured to: remove the second image from thedisplay unit and display only the first image when the intensity oftouch is less than a first threshold value and the intensity of touchsensed through the at least one sensing region is eliminated during theswitch of the displayed image on the display unit from the first imageto the second image; and substitute the second image for the first imagewhen the intensity of the touch sensed through the at least one sensingregion is greater than a second threshold value.
 3. The mobile terminalof claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to substitute thesecond image for the first image based on the intensity of the touchsensed through the at least one sensing region being greater than athird threshold value.
 4. The mobile terminal of claim 2, wherein: theat least one sensing region includes a first sensing region and a secondsensing region, and the control unit is further configured to switchbetween the first image and the second image based on the at least twosignals being simultaneously sensed through both the first sensingregion and the second sensing region.
 5. The mobile terminal of claim 2,wherein: the at least one sensing region includes a first sensing regionand a second sensing region, and the control unit is further configuredto determine a direction of image switching based on a difference ofintensity of touches sensed through the first sensing region and secondsensing region.
 6. A mobile terminal comprising: a body; a display unitconfigured to be located on the body; a sensing module configured to belocated on at least one surface of the body comprising a lateral surfaceof the body and configured to sense a user's touch applied to at leastone part of the sensing module, wherein the sensing module includes aplurality of sensing elements; and a control unit configured to: obtain,from the sensing module, at least two signals from at least twopositions on the lateral surface, change a state of the display unitbased on the at least two signals, wherein changing the state of thedisplay is initiated around the at least two positions, display an imageswitching between a first image and a second image based on an intensityof touch sensed through at least one sensing region of the sensingmodule, wherein the first image and second image are separated from eachother, increase a size of the second image displayed on the display unitand decrease a size of the first image displayed on the display unitbased on an increase in the intensity of touch sensed through the atleast one sensing region, remove the second image from the display unitwhen the intensity of the touch fails to exceed a predetermined valueduring the image switching, and substitute the second image for thefirst image when the intensity of the touch exceeds the predeterminedvalue during the image switching.